US20220026253A1 - Evaluation of flow properties in physical media - Google Patents
Evaluation of flow properties in physical media Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20220026253A1 US20220026253A1 US16/938,471 US202016938471A US2022026253A1 US 20220026253 A1 US20220026253 A1 US 20220026253A1 US 202016938471 A US202016938471 A US 202016938471A US 2022026253 A1 US2022026253 A1 US 2022026253A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- photonic
- flow
- tracers
- measurement
- flow channel
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Pending
Links
- 238000011156 evaluation Methods 0.000 title 1
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 155
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 82
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 38
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 28
- 238000010521 absorption reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 9
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 claims description 7
- 239000004793 Polystyrene Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000035699 permeability Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 229920002223 polystyrene Polymers 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000010954 inorganic particle Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000011859 microparticle Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000002096 quantum dot Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000002082 metal nanoparticle Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 21
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 16
- XUIMIQQOPSSXEZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silicon Chemical compound [Si] XUIMIQQOPSSXEZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 14
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 14
- 229910052710 silicon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 14
- 239000010703 silicon Substances 0.000 description 14
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 10
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 9
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 description 9
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 8
- 239000000700 radioactive tracer Substances 0.000 description 8
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 description 7
- 230000003993 interaction Effects 0.000 description 6
- 238000011179 visual inspection Methods 0.000 description 6
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 description 5
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000004590 computer program Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000026676 system process Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000002776 aggregation Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000004220 aggregation Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 3
- VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silicium dioxide Chemical compound O=[Si]=O VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- NHWNVPNZGGXQQV-UHFFFAOYSA-J [Si+4].[O-]N=O.[O-]N=O.[O-]N=O.[O-]N=O Chemical compound [Si+4].[O-]N=O.[O-]N=O.[O-]N=O.[O-]N=O NHWNVPNZGGXQQV-UHFFFAOYSA-J 0.000 description 2
- 238000003491 array Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000012212 insulator Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000000691 measurement method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000002105 nanoparticle Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000001902 propagating effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229910052814 silicon oxide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Copper Chemical compound [Cu] RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- FOIXSVOLVBLSDH-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silver ion Chemical compound [Ag+] FOIXSVOLVBLSDH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000002730 additional effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052802 copper Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010949 copper Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000005284 excitation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 description 1
- PCHJSUWPFVWCPO-UHFFFAOYSA-N gold Chemical compound [Au] PCHJSUWPFVWCPO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000010931 gold Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052737 gold Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000006872 improvement Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007689 inspection Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002923 metal particle Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011148 porous material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004065 semiconductor Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003068 static effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
- G01F1/00—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow
- G01F1/704—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow using marked regions or existing inhomogeneities within the fluid stream, e.g. statistically occurring variations in a fluid parameter
- G01F1/708—Measuring the time taken to traverse a fixed distance
- G01F1/712—Measuring the time taken to traverse a fixed distance using auto-correlation or cross-correlation detection means
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
- G01F1/00—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow
- G01F1/704—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow using marked regions or existing inhomogeneities within the fluid stream, e.g. statistically occurring variations in a fluid parameter
- G01F1/708—Measuring the time taken to traverse a fixed distance
- G01F1/7086—Measuring the time taken to traverse a fixed distance using optical detecting arrangements
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01P—MEASURING LINEAR OR ANGULAR SPEED, ACCELERATION, DECELERATION, OR SHOCK; INDICATING PRESENCE, ABSENCE, OR DIRECTION, OF MOVEMENT
- G01P5/00—Measuring speed of fluids, e.g. of air stream; Measuring speed of bodies relative to fluids, e.g. of ship, of aircraft
- G01P5/18—Measuring speed of fluids, e.g. of air stream; Measuring speed of bodies relative to fluids, e.g. of ship, of aircraft by measuring the time taken to traverse a fixed distance
- G01P5/20—Measuring speed of fluids, e.g. of air stream; Measuring speed of bodies relative to fluids, e.g. of ship, of aircraft by measuring the time taken to traverse a fixed distance using particles entrained by a fluid stream
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
- G01F1/00—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow
- G01F1/74—Devices for measuring flow of a fluid or flow of a fluent solid material in suspension in another fluid
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
- G01F15/00—Details of, or accessories for, apparatus of groups G01F1/00 - G01F13/00 insofar as such details or appliances are not adapted to particular types of such apparatus
- G01F15/06—Indicating or recording devices
- G01F15/061—Indicating or recording devices for remote indication
- G01F15/063—Indicating or recording devices for remote indication using electrical means
Definitions
- constricted channels Traditional processes for determining flow properties of fluids in constricted channels typically involve visual measurements of particles suspended in the fluids. Often, constricted channels of interest are opaque (or otherwise obscured) such that visual-based measurement processes are ineffective to determine flow properties in the channels.
- a system comprises a light source configured to generate a plurality of optical signals; tracers suspended in a fluid; a plurality of photonic devices, each including a photonic element and flow channel; and a measurement device configured to: determine a first measurement based on the plurality of optical signals and the tracers in a flow channel of a first photonic device of the plurality of photonic devices, determine a second measurement based on the plurality of optical signals and the tracers in a flow channel of a second photonic device of the plurality of photonic devices, and determine a property associated with a flow of the fluid or the tracers based on the first measurement and the second measurement.
- this enables the flow properties of a channel to be determined irrespective of the opaqueness or visual obscurity of the channel. Further, this lowers the cost of determining flow property of fluids in such channels since the determinations do not depend on specialized equipment such as transparent walls and elaborate microscope systems for visual inspection.
- a photonic element of the first photonic device is aligned with the light source to allow the plurality of optical signals to reach the flow channel of the first photonic device.
- this enables the system to measure and determine the flow of the tracers without relying on visual inspection.
- a first photonic element of the first photonic device and a second photonic element of the first photonic device are aligned on opposite sides of the flow channel of the first photonic device such that the plurality of optical signals can transfer from the first photonic element to the second photonic element.
- this enables the system to measure the interaction between the light signal and the tracers so that the flow properties of the fluid can be determined.
- the photonic element of the first photonic device comprises a Y-splitter, wherein the light source is disposed on a first end of the Y-splitter, wherein the measurement device is disposed on a second end of the Y-splitter, and wherein a third end of the Y-splitter is disposed on the flow channel of the first photonic device.
- this enables the system to measure the interaction between the light signal and the tracers so that the flow properties of the fluid can be determined.
- the flow channel of the first photonic device extends from one end of a first photonic device to the opposite end of the first photonic device.
- this enables the fluid to flow through the first silicon-based photonic device, such that the flow of the fluid in the flow channel represents the flow of the fluid in the fluidic device.
- This enables measurements taken at the flow channel to accurately represent the flow of the fluid in the fluidic device.
- each of the first measurement and the second measurement comprises at least one of a fluorescence, reflection, a refraction, an absorption, or an emission of light.
- a fluorescence, reflection, a refraction, an absorption, or an emission of light comprises at least one of a fluorescence, reflection, a refraction, an absorption, or an emission of light.
- one or more photonic devices are disposed on the first photonic device.
- this enables the system to take parallel measurements of the fluid or particles, thereby increasing the speed of data aggregation, and the speed of the determination of the fluid's properties.
- the tracers comprise at least one of polystyrene balls containing fluorescent molecules, inorganic particles, quantum dots, molecules, organic dye, metal micro-particles, or metal nanoparticles.
- this enables the system to measure how the light signal interacts with, and affects, the tracers, thereby enabling functional measurements to determine properties of the fluid.
- a photonic device is presented according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
- the photonic device comprises: a substrate; a first photonic element disposed on the substrate; a flow channel disposed on the substrate, wherein the first photonic element is arranged to allow an optical signal to reach the flow channel from outside of the photonic device; and a capping layer disposed on the first photonic element and the flow channel.
- this enables the measurement of fluids that flow through the flow channel, thereby enabling determination of the fluid's properties.
- the flow channel is arranged to allow fluid to flow to a second photonic device.
- this enables flow properties to be determined based on measurements at each photonic device, thereby enabling the determination of flow properties of a fluid that flows between the photonic device and the second photonic device.
- the first photonic element and a second photonic element are aligned on opposite sides of the flow channel such that the optical signal can transfer from the first photonic element to the second photonic element.
- this enables the system to measure the interaction between the light signal and the tracers so that the flow properties of the fluid can be determined.
- the first photonic element comprises a Y-splitter, wherein a first end of the Y-splitter extends to a first side of the photonic device, wherein a second end of the Y-splitter extends to the first side of the photonic device, and wherein a third end of the Y-splitter is disposed on the flow channel.
- this enables the system to measure the interaction between the light signal and the tracers so that the flow properties of the fluid can be determined.
- the photonic device is disposed on at least one other photonic device.
- this enables the system to take parallel measurements of the fluid or particles, thereby increasing the speed of data aggregation, and the speed of the determination of the fluid's properties.
- a method comprises: determining, via a measurement device, a first measurement based on a plurality of optical signals and a flow of tracers in a flow channel of a first photonic device; determining, via the measurement device, a second measurement based on the plurality of optical signals and the flow of the tracers in a flow channel of a second photonic device, wherein the first and second flow channels are fluidically connected; and determining, via the measurement device, a property associated with the flow of the tracers based on the first measurement and the second measurement.
- this enables the flow properties of a channel to be determined irrespective of the opaqueness or visual obscurity of the channel. Further, this lowers the cost of determining flow property of fluids in such channels since the determinations do not depend on specialized equipment such as transparent walls and elaborate microscope systems for visual inspection.
- determining the flow property further comprises determining a macroscopic flow speed (U) of a fluid that includes the tracers.
- U macroscopic flow speed
- Q flow rate
- A cross-sectional area
- ⁇ P applied pressure gradient
- this enables determination of flow properties in particular channels of the fluidic device.
- ⁇ permeability
- U macroscopic flow speed
- ⁇ P pressure gradient
- FIG. 1 illustrates a fluidic device measurement system, according to one embodiment.
- FIG. 2A illustrates a top view of a scalable flow unit, according to one embodiment.
- FIG. 2B illustrates a cross-sectional view of a scalable flow unit, according to one embodiment.
- FIG. 3 illustrates a fluidic device measurement system with a multi-stack scalable flow unit, according to one embodiment.
- FIG. 4 illustrates a method of determining flow properties of a fluidic device, according to one embodiment.
- Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards a measurement system for determining flow properties of a fluid in a micro-fluidic or nano-fluidic device.
- traditional processes for determining flow properties rely on visual inspection of particles in the fluid, which is ineffective for opaque or obscure channels. Further, the traditional processes typically implement costly microscopic systems to perform the visual inspections of particles in the fluid. Further, the traditional processes can have relatively poor performance due to a serialized inspection of the particles in the fluid.
- the measurement system includes scalable flow units disposed on or within the fluidic device such that the fluid of the fluidic device flows through a flow channel of each scalable flow unit.
- each scalable flow unit comprises a photonic element that allows light to reach the flow channels of the scalable flow units.
- the measurement system tracks tracers suspended in the fluid of the fluidic device as the fluid flows through the flow channels.
- the measurement system also determines light measurements based on interactions between the tracers and the light that reaches the flow channels. The flow properties of the fluid are determined based on the light measurements.
- Benefits of the aforementioned embodiments over traditional processes for determining flow properties include the ability to determine the flow properties of fluids in opaque or obscured channels, decreased costs due to flow property determinations that do not depend on specialized equipment such as transparent walls and elaborate microscope systems for visual inspection, and increased performance due to parallel measurements to gather data about the flow of the fluid.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a fluidic device measurement system 100 , according to one embodiment.
- the fluidic device measurement system 100 comprises a fluidic device 102 that includes a first channel configuration 104 , a second channel configuration 106 , and a third channel configuration 108 .
- the first channel configuration 104 and the third channel configuration 108 include a smooth surface texture, while the second channel configuration 106 includes a porous channel texture. Due to differences in these channel configurations, flow properties of a fluid may not be identical as the fluid flows from the first channel configuration 104 to the third channel configuration 108 .
- the fluid can flow at a first flow rate through the first channel configuration 104 , which can include a smooth surface texture, and can flow at a different, second flow rate through the second channel configuration 106 , which can include a porous surface texture.
- one or more scalable flow units are disposed on or within the channel configurations of the fluidic device.
- Each scalable flow unit can comprise one or more photonic elements.
- the photonic elements can comprise at least one of a waveguide, splitter, combiner, mixer, or interferometer, or the like.
- the photonic elements When the photonic elements are aligned with one or more light sources 120 A- 120 D, the photonic elements transfer light from a location external to the scalable flow unit into a flow channel of the scalable flow unit or into a channel configuration of the fluidic device.
- the light sources 120 A- 120 D are depicted as four separate light sources disposed on a first side of the fluidic device 102 (e.g., along a length of the fluidic device 102 ).
- the light sources 120 A- 120 D can represent a single light source.
- the light sources 120 A- 120 D can be a single fluorescent light source that spans the length of the fluidic device, or a single light source with four outlet light sources.
- one or more measurement devices 130 A- 130 D are disposed on a second side of the fluidic device, opposite the first side.
- the measurement devices 130 A- 130 D are aligned with the light sources 120 A- 120 D, light signals from the light sources 120 A- 120 D are transferred from the light sources 120 A- 120 D, through one or more channel configurations of the fluidic device, and to the measurement devices 130 A- 130 D.
- the measurement devices 130 A- 130 D can be any device, instrument, or sensor system that can detect or measure a light signal.
- the measurement devices 130 A- 130 D can be a flow sensor, a photodiode, a photometer, a light meter, a spectrometer, a computing system or micro-controller connected to at least one of the foregoing, or the like.
- the measurement devices 130 A- 130 D include software to communicate measurements to one another, and to calculate flow properties based on the measurements.
- the measurement devices 130 A- 130 D are communicatively coupled to a computing system (not shown) that receives the measurements and calculates flow properties of the fluid based on the measurements.
- the measurement devices 130 A- 130 D are depicted as four separate measurement devices. However, in one embodiment, the measurement devices 130 A- 130 D can indicate a single measurement device, such as a computing system or micro-controller connected to at least one of a flow sensor, a photodiode, a photometer, a light meter, a spectrometer, or the like.
- a set of tracers 110 are suspended in the fluid to aid the fluidic device measurement system 100 in determining the flow properties of the fluid as it passes through each channel configuration.
- the tracers 110 are suspended in the fluid of the fluidic device 102 .
- the tracers 110 along with the fluid, flow through the fluidic device due to a pressure gradient ( ⁇ P) applied to the cross-sectional area (A) of the fluidic device.
- ⁇ P pressure gradient
- A cross-sectional area
- the tracers 110 suspended in the fluid are limited in amount such that a single tracer interacts with a light signal from one of the light sources 120 A- 120 D at a given moment.
- One benefit to limiting the amount of tracers 110 in this way is that the measurement device corresponding to the respective light signal can take more accurate measurements of the single tracer, absent interference or obstruction from other tracers.
- the tracers 110 are smaller than at least one dimension of each channel configuration to ensure that the tracers 110 do not obstruct or alternate the flow of the fluid in the fluidic device.
- the measurement devices 130 A- 130 D can measure the flow properties of a channel configuration both before and after the tracers are suspended in the fluid.
- the measurement devices 130 A- 130 D can compare the pre-tracer flow properties to the post-tracer flow properties to determine whether the sizes of the tracers 110 have changed the pre-tracer flow properties. In the event that such a change occurs, the oversized tracers can be removed or replaced with an appropriately sized tracer that does not affect the pre-tracer flow properties.
- the tracers 110 can correspond to measurement techniques of the fluidic device measurement system 100 .
- fluorescent tracers can be used for measurement devices that implement florescent-based measurement signals.
- the tracers comprise polystyrene balls comprising molecules that fluoresce upon excitation by light. Hence, the molecules are selected, designed, or dyed to absorb or reflect light corresponding to a wavelength of the florescent-based measurement signals.
- the tracers can also comprise inorganic particles, quantum dots, molecules, organic dye, or the like, with or without any polystyrene container.
- the tracers can also comprise non-fluorescent matter for use with measurement devices that implement other light-based measurement signals.
- the tracers can comprise metal micro-particles, or nanoparticles such as gold nanoparticles or silver nanoparticles.
- the measurement devices 130 A- 130 D can measure the fluorescence of the tracer to determine the flow properties of the fluid in the channel configurations.
- the measurement devices 130 A- 130 D can measure the reflection, refraction, or absorption of the light signals to determine the flow properties of the fluid in the channel configurations.
- the tracers 110 can flow into a flow channel of a first scalable flow unit (not shown).
- Light source 120 A generates a light signal, which is transferred into a photonic element of the first scalable flow unit.
- the photonic element of the first scalable flow unit can guide the light signal to the flow channel of the first scalable flow unit.
- the tracers 110 encounter the light signal as the tracers 110 travel along the flow channel of the first scalable flow unit.
- measurement device 130 A can measure a fluorescence of the tracers 110 , or an absorption, reflection, or refraction of the light signal.
- the measurement device 130 A can determine a point in time when it measures a light intensity or a change in light intensity from the tracers 110 , and communicate the point in time with a computing system or with another measurement device.
- the tracers 110 can flow into a flow channel of a second scalable flow unit (not shown).
- Light source 120 B generates a light signal, which is transferred into a photonic element of the second scalable flow unit.
- the photonic element of the second scalable flow unit can guide the light signal to the flow channel of the second scalable flow unit.
- the tracers 110 encounter the light signal as the tracers 110 travel along the flow channel of the second scalable flow unit.
- measurement device 130 B can measure a fluorescence of the tracers 110 , or an absorption, reflection, or refraction of the light signal.
- the measurement device 130 B can determine a point in time when it measures a light intensity or a change in light intensity from the tracers 110 , and communicate the point in time with a computing system or with another measurement device.
- a computing system receives the measurements and points in time (e.g., timestamps) from measurement device 130 A and measurement device 130 B, and determines an average time delay ( ⁇ t 1 >) between the points in time.
- ⁇ t 1 > can represent the average amount of time the tracers 110 take to travel across the first channel configuration 104 .
- a combination of the measurement devices 130 A- 130 D can be communicatively coupled to each other and can determine the average time delay corresponding to a channel configuration in the fluidic device 102 using a process similar to the aforementioned computer system process.
- the computing system receives measurements and points in time that correspond to light intensity from the tracers 110 as they pass measurement devices 130 A and measurement device 130 B.
- the computing system can map the measurements and points in time to the light intensity from the tracers 110 as a function of time (I(t)).
- the computing system can then determine the points in time of peak (or inverted peak) light intensities from the tracers 110 , and cross-correlate these points in time to determine a time delay ( ⁇ t 1 ) between peaks, or inverted peaks, of light intensity from the tracers 110 .
- the computing system can further determine ⁇ t 1 > based on the ⁇ t 1 .
- a combination of the measurement devices 130 A- 130 D can determine ⁇ t 1 and ⁇ t 1 > using a process similar to the aforementioned computer system process.
- the tracers 110 can flow into a flow channel of a third scalable flow unit (not shown).
- light source 120 C generates a light signal, which is transferred into a photonic element of the third scalable flow unit.
- the photonic element of the third scalable flow unit can guide the light signal to the flow channel of the third scalable flow unit.
- the tracers 110 encounter the light signal as the tracers 110 travel along the flow channel of the third scalable flow unit.
- measurement device 130 C can measure a fluorescence of the tracers 110 , or an absorption, reflection, or refraction of the light signal.
- the measurement device 130 C can determine a point in time when it measures a light intensity or a change in light intensity from the tracers 110 , and communicate the point in time with a computing system or with another measurement device.
- the computing system receives the measurements and points in time from measurement device 130 B and measurement device 130 C, and determines an average time of flight ( ⁇ T F >) between the points in time.
- ⁇ T F > can represent the average amount of time the tracers 110 take to travel across the second channel configuration 106 .
- a combination of the measurement devices 130 A- 130 D can be communicatively coupled to each other and can determine ⁇ T F > using a process similar to the aforementioned computer process.
- the computing system receives measurements and points in time that correspond to light intensity from the tracers 110 as they pass measurement devices 130 B and measurement device 130 C.
- the computing system can map the measurements and points in time to the light intensity from the tracers 110 as a function of time (I(t)).
- the computing system can then determine the points in time of peak (or inverted peak) light intensities from the tracers 110 , and cross-correlate these points in time to determine a time of flight (T F ) of the tracers 110 as the time delay between peaks, or inverted peaks, of light intensity from the tracers 110 .
- the computing system can further determine ⁇ T F > based on T F .
- a combination of the measurement devices 130 A- 130 D can determine T F and ⁇ T F > using a process similar to the aforementioned computer system process.
- the tracers 110 can flow into a flow channel of a fourth scalable flow unit (not shown).
- light source 120 D generates a light signal, which is transferred into a photonic element of the fourth scalable flow unit.
- the photonic element of the fourth scalable flow unit can guide the light signal to the flow channel of the fourth scalable flow unit.
- the tracers 110 encounter the light signal as the tracers 110 travel along the flow channel of the fourth scalable flow unit.
- measurement device 130 D can measure a fluorescence of the tracers 110 , or an absorption, reflection, or refraction of the light signal.
- the measurement device 130 D can determine a point in time when it measures a light intensity or a change in light intensity from the tracers 110 , and communicate the point in time with a computing system or with another measurement device.
- the computing system receives the measurements and points in time from measurement device 130 C and measurement device 130 D, and determines an average time delay ( ⁇ t 2 >) between the points in time.
- ⁇ t 2 > can represent the average amount of time the tracers 110 take to travel across the third channel configuration 108 .
- the measurement devices 130 A- 130 D can be communicatively coupled to each other and can determine ⁇ t using a process similar to the aforementioned computer process.
- the computing system receives measurements and points in time that correspond to light intensity from the tracers 110 as they pass measurement devices 130 C and measurement device 130 D.
- the computing system can map the measurements and points in time to the light intensity from the tracers 110 as a function of time (I(t)).
- the computing system can then determine the points in time of peak (or inverted peak) light intensities from the tracers 110 , and cross-correlate these points in time to determine a time delay ( ⁇ t 2 ) between peaks, or inverted peaks, of light intensity from the tracers 110 .
- the computing system can further determine ⁇ t 2 > based on ⁇ t 2 .
- a combination of the measurement devices 130 A- 130 D can determine ⁇ t 2 and ⁇ t 2 > using a process similar to the aforementioned computer system process.
- At least one dimension of the first channel configuration 104 and the third channel configuration 108 are equal in length. This length, traveled by the tracers 110 , is labeled as ⁇ x. The length of a dimension of the second channel configuration 106 that is traveled by the tracers 110 is labeled as L.
- the flow rate (Q) of the fluid over the cross-sectional area (A) of the fluidic device is due to the applied pressure gradient ( ⁇ P). Given the aforementioned information, measurements, points in time, ⁇ t 1 >, ⁇ t 2 >, and ⁇ T F >, the macroscopic flow speed (U) of the fluid in the fluidic device can be determined as follows:
- ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ ⁇
- the flow properties do not need to be measured inside of a given channel configuration.
- the flow properties can be determined when a channel configuration is opaque (or otherwise obscured) such that visual-based measurement techniques to determine flow properties in the channel configuration are ineffective.
- FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a scalable flow unit 200 , according to one embodiment.
- FIG. 2A illustrates a top view of the scalable flow unit 200 .
- a first photonic element 204 , a second photonic element 206 , and a flow channel 208 are disposed on a first silicon-based layer 202 .
- a second silicon-based layer (which is omitted from FIG. 2A so the underlying elements in the scalable flow unit 200 can be seen) is disposed on the first photonic element 204 , the second photonic element 206 , and the flow channel 208 .
- FIG. 2A includes the cross section A-A indicating the cross sectional view illustrated in FIG. 2B .
- the first photonic element 204 is arranged orthogonal to the first side of the flow channel 208
- the second photonic element 206 is arranged orthogonal to the second side of the flow channel 208 .
- the first photonic element 204 and the second photonic element 206 are aligned such that an optical signal from a light source positioned outside of the scalable flow unit 200 can enter into a first end of the first photonic element 204 , and transfer through a second end of the first photonic element 204 that is disposed on the first side of the flow channel 208 .
- scalable flow unit 200 is disposed on or within a fluidic device such that the fluid from the fluidic device flows through the flow channel 208 .
- the fluid can flow in a direction that is parallel to the first and second sides of the flow channel 208 , or orthogonal to the first photonic element 204 and the second photonic element 206 .
- the fluid can include tracers that are small enough to travel through the flow channel without altering or obstructing the flow of the fluid in the flow channel or in the fluidic device.
- the optical signal can transfer from the first side of the flow channel 208 to the second side of the flow channel 208 , and encounter the tracers in the flow channel 208 . During this encounter, the optical signal may be partially absorbed, reflected, or refracted by the tracers. The optical signal may also trigger a fluorescent effect in the tracers. The optical signal can then transfer into the first side of the second photonic element 206 that is disposed on the second side of the flow channel 208 , and exit from a second side of the second photonic element 206 .
- FIG. 2B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the scalable flow unit 200 .
- the scalable flow unit 200 comprises the first silicon-based layer 202 .
- the first silicon-based layer 202 functions as a substrate.
- the first silicon-based layer 202 can comprise silicon oxide, silicon nitrite, or any other silicon-based insulator.
- the flow channel 208 is disposed on the first silicon-based layer 202 .
- the first and second photonic elements 204 and 206 are disposed on the first silicon-based layer 202 .
- the first photonic element 204 is disposed on a first side of the flow channel 208 , opposite the second photonic element 206 that is disposed on a second side of the flow channel 208 .
- the photonic elements 204 and 206 can comprise at least one of a waveguide, splitter, combiner, mixer, interferometer, or the like.
- a second silicon-based layer 210 can be disposed on the photonic elements and the flow channel 208 .
- the second silicon-based layer 210 serves as a capping layer.
- the second silicon-based layer 210 can comprise silicon oxide, silicon nitrite, or any other silicon-based insulator.
- the second silicon-based layer 210 is disposed on the first photonic element 204 , the flow channel 208 , and the second photonic element 206 .
- FIG. 3 illustrates a fluidic device measurement system 300 with a multi-stack scalable flow unit 304 1 ⁇ N , according to one embodiment.
- the multi-stack scalable flow unit 304 1 ⁇ N can be disposed on or within a channel 302 of fluidic device.
- the multi-stack scalable flow unit 304 1 ⁇ N comprises at least one scalable flow unit disposed on a first scalable flow unit 304 1 .
- a scalable flow unit 304 N is positioned at the top of the multi-stack scalable flow unit 304 1 ⁇ N .
- the scalable flow unit 304 N can include a photonic element 306 disposed on a flow channel 308 .
- the photonic element 306 is depicted as a Y-splitter.
- the fluidic device measurement system 300 can include a light source 320 disposed on a first end of the photonic element 306 , and a measurement device 330 disposed on a second end of the photonic element 306 .
- the light source 320 and the measurement device 330 can be disposed on the same side of the scalable flow unit 304 N .
- the light source 320 and measurement device 330 are operable to service all scalable flow units of the multi-stack scalable flow unit 304 1 ⁇ N . In another embodiment, the light source 320 and measurement device 330 are operable to service only scalable the scalable flow units 304 N .
- the fluidic device includes a fluid with a set tracers 310 suspended therein.
- the fluid travels across the channel 302 of the fluidic device, the fluid also travels across the flow channel 308 of the scalable flow unit 304 N .
- the light source 320 can generate a light signal that propagates through the photonic element 306 from first end of the photonic element 306 to the flow channel 308 .
- the light signal can encounter the tracers 310 .
- the light signal may be partially absorbed, reflected, or refracted by the tracers 310 .
- the light signal may also trigger a fluorescent effect in the tracers 310 .
- the light signal can then propagate towards the second end of the photonic element 306 , and reach the measurement device 330 .
- the measurement device 330 can measure the light signal, and determine flow properties of the fluid.
- the multi-stack scalable flow unit enables light signal measurements to be taken at each scalable flow unit of the multi-stack scalable flow unit, thereby enabling parallel collection of data that is used to determine the flow properties.
- FIG. 4 illustrates a method 400 of determining flow properties of a fluidic device, according to one embodiment.
- the method 400 involves the control of a fluidic device measurement system.
- the fluidic device measurement system can comprise light sources configured to generate light signals, tracers suspended in a fluid of the fluidic device, one or more photonic devices, each comprising at least one photonic element and a flow channel, and measurement devices.
- the photonic elements of a first photonic device can be aligned with the light sources to allow the light signals to reach the flow channel of the first photonic device via the photonic elements of the first photonic device.
- the photonic devices can be disposed on or within a channel of the fluidic device.
- the fluid of the fluidic device flows in the channel due to a pressure gradient applied to the device.
- the fluid can also flow through the flow channels of the photonic devices on or within the channel.
- the method 400 begins at block 402 .
- measurement devices determine a first measurement based on the light signals and the tracers at the flow channel of the first photonic device.
- the photonic elements of the first photonic device (not shown) are aligned with light source 120 B, which allows light signals from light source 120 B to reach the flow channel of the first photonic device.
- the tracers 110 encounter the light signal from light source 120 B as the tracers 110 travel along the flow channel of the first photonic device.
- the measurement device 130 B can measure a fluorescence of the tracers 110 ; an absorption, reflection, or refraction of the light signal; or any change in intensity of the light signal.
- the measurement device 130 B can determine a point in time when it measures a light intensity or a change in light intensity from the tracers 110 , and communicate the point in time with a computing system or with another measurement device.
- the measurement devices determine a second measurement based on the light signals and the tracers at a flow channel of a second photonic device.
- the second photonic device is disposed on or within the fluidic channel at a different location than the first photonic device.
- the photonic elements of the second photonic device are aligned with light source 120 C, which allows light signals from light source 120 C to reach the flow channel of the second photonic device.
- the tracers 110 can encounter the light signals from light source 120 C as the tracers 110 travel along the flow channel of the second photonic device.
- the measurement device 130 C can measure a fluorescence of the tracers 110 ; an absorption, reflection, or refraction of the light signal; or any change in intensity of the light signal.
- the measurement device 130 C can determine a point in time when it measures a light intensity or a change in light intensity from the tracers 110 , and communicate the point in time with a computing system or with another measurement device. In one embodiment, measurements can be taken at additional scalable flow units using a similar process to the foregoing.
- the measurement devices determine properties associated with a flow of the fluid or the tracers based on the first measurement and the second measurement.
- the computing system receives the measurements and points in time, and determines an average time of flight ( ⁇ T F >) between the points in time.
- ⁇ T F > can represent the average amount of time the tracers take to travel from the location of the first photonic device to the location of the second photonic device.
- the distance between the locations of the first and second photonic devices can be represented as length L.
- the computing system or the measurement devices receives the measurements and the points in time, and determines an average time delay ( ⁇ t>) between the points in time.
- ⁇ t> can represent the average amount of time the tracers take to travel from the location of the second photonic device to the location of a third photonic device.
- the distance between the locations of the second and third photonic devices can be represented as ⁇ x.
- the flow rate (Q) of the fluid over the cross-sectional area (A) of the fluidic device is due to the applied pressure gradient ( ⁇ P).
- ⁇ P applied pressure gradient
- the method 400 ends at block 410 .
- One benefit of the method 400 disclosed herein is the ability to determine flow properties of a fluid in a fluid channel, irrespective of differences between configurations of the fluidic channel. For example, referring to FIG. 1 , measurements can be taken at scalable flow units positioned outside of the second channel configuration 106 (which includes the porous region) to determine the flow properties inside of the second channel configuration 106 . This is particularly useful when a channel configuration is visually inaccessible (e.g., the channel configuration is opaque or otherwise obscured).
- aspects of the present invention may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.) or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects that may all generally be referred to herein as a “circuit,” “module” or “system.”
- the present invention may be a system, a method, and/or a computer program product.
- the computer program product may include a computer readable storage medium (or media) having computer readable program instructions thereon for causing a processor to carry out aspects of the present invention.
- the computer readable storage medium can be a tangible device that can retain and store instructions for use by an instruction execution device.
- the computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but is not limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing.
- a non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of the computer readable storage medium includes the following: a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such as punch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructions recorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing.
- RAM random access memory
- ROM read-only memory
- EPROM or Flash memory erasable programmable read-only memory
- SRAM static random access memory
- CD-ROM compact disc read-only memory
- DVD digital versatile disk
- memory stick a floppy disk
- a mechanically encoded device such as punch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructions recorded thereon
- a computer readable storage medium is not to be construed as being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freely propagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagating through a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., light pulses passing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signals transmitted through a wire.
- Computer readable program instructions described herein can be downloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a computer readable storage medium or to an external computer or external storage device via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network and/or a wireless network.
- the network may comprise copper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wireless transmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and/or edge servers.
- a network adapter card or network interface in each computing/processing device receives computer readable program instructions from the network and forwards the computer readable program instructions for storage in a computer readable storage medium within the respective computing/processing device.
- Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations of the present invention may be assembler instructions, instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state-setting data, or either source code or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language such as Smalltalk, C++ or the like, and conventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C” programming language or similar programming languages.
- the computer readable program instructions may execute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server.
- the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).
- electronic circuitry including, for example, programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or programmable logic arrays (PLA) may execute the computer readable program instructions by utilizing state information of the computer readable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry, in order to perform aspects of the present invention.
- These computer readable program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.
- These computer readable program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable storage medium that can direct a computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and/or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the computer readable storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises an article of manufacture including instructions which implement aspects of the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.
- the computer readable program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computer implemented process, such that the instructions which execute on the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.
- each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s).
- the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures.
- two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved.
Abstract
Description
- Traditional processes for determining flow properties of fluids in constricted channels typically involve visual measurements of particles suspended in the fluids. Often, constricted channels of interest are opaque (or otherwise obscured) such that visual-based measurement processes are ineffective to determine flow properties in the channels.
- Such processes can also require specialized equipment, such as transparent viewing panes and elaborate microscope systems, to visually inspect the flow of the particles. Hence, these processes for determining the flow properties of fluids can be unnecessarily costly.
- Further, the traditional processes typically involve serial measurements of the particles. Hence, these processes can have relatively slow performance due to slow data aggregation when inspecting the particles as they flow in the constricted channels.
- A system is provided according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The system comprises a light source configured to generate a plurality of optical signals; tracers suspended in a fluid; a plurality of photonic devices, each including a photonic element and flow channel; and a measurement device configured to: determine a first measurement based on the plurality of optical signals and the tracers in a flow channel of a first photonic device of the plurality of photonic devices, determine a second measurement based on the plurality of optical signals and the tracers in a flow channel of a second photonic device of the plurality of photonic devices, and determine a property associated with a flow of the fluid or the tracers based on the first measurement and the second measurement. Advantageously, this enables the flow properties of a channel to be determined irrespective of the opaqueness or visual obscurity of the channel. Further, this lowers the cost of determining flow property of fluids in such channels since the determinations do not depend on specialized equipment such as transparent walls and elaborate microscope systems for visual inspection.
- According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a photonic element of the first photonic device is aligned with the light source to allow the plurality of optical signals to reach the flow channel of the first photonic device. Advantageously, this enables the system to measure and determine the flow of the tracers without relying on visual inspection.
- According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a first photonic element of the first photonic device and a second photonic element of the first photonic device are aligned on opposite sides of the flow channel of the first photonic device such that the plurality of optical signals can transfer from the first photonic element to the second photonic element. Advantageously, this enables the system to measure the interaction between the light signal and the tracers so that the flow properties of the fluid can be determined.
- According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the photonic element of the first photonic device comprises a Y-splitter, wherein the light source is disposed on a first end of the Y-splitter, wherein the measurement device is disposed on a second end of the Y-splitter, and wherein a third end of the Y-splitter is disposed on the flow channel of the first photonic device. Advantageously, this enables the system to measure the interaction between the light signal and the tracers so that the flow properties of the fluid can be determined.
- According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the flow channel of the first photonic device extends from one end of a first photonic device to the opposite end of the first photonic device. Advantageously, this enables the fluid to flow through the first silicon-based photonic device, such that the flow of the fluid in the flow channel represents the flow of the fluid in the fluidic device. This enables measurements taken at the flow channel to accurately represent the flow of the fluid in the fluidic device.
- According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the first measurement and the second measurement comprises at least one of a fluorescence, reflection, a refraction, an absorption, or an emission of light. Advantageously, this enables the system to measure the effects of the interaction between the light signal and the tracers.
- According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, one or more photonic devices are disposed on the first photonic device. Advantageously, this enables the system to take parallel measurements of the fluid or particles, thereby increasing the speed of data aggregation, and the speed of the determination of the fluid's properties.
- According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the tracers comprise at least one of polystyrene balls containing fluorescent molecules, inorganic particles, quantum dots, molecules, organic dye, metal micro-particles, or metal nanoparticles. Advantageously, this enables the system to measure how the light signal interacts with, and affects, the tracers, thereby enabling functional measurements to determine properties of the fluid.
- A photonic device is presented according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The photonic device comprises: a substrate; a first photonic element disposed on the substrate; a flow channel disposed on the substrate, wherein the first photonic element is arranged to allow an optical signal to reach the flow channel from outside of the photonic device; and a capping layer disposed on the first photonic element and the flow channel. Advantageously, this enables the measurement of fluids that flow through the flow channel, thereby enabling determination of the fluid's properties.
- According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the flow channel is arranged to allow fluid to flow to a second photonic device. Advantageously, this enables flow properties to be determined based on measurements at each photonic device, thereby enabling the determination of flow properties of a fluid that flows between the photonic device and the second photonic device.
- According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the first photonic element and a second photonic element are aligned on opposite sides of the flow channel such that the optical signal can transfer from the first photonic element to the second photonic element. Advantageously, this enables the system to measure the interaction between the light signal and the tracers so that the flow properties of the fluid can be determined.
- According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the first photonic element comprises a Y-splitter, wherein a first end of the Y-splitter extends to a first side of the photonic device, wherein a second end of the Y-splitter extends to the first side of the photonic device, and wherein a third end of the Y-splitter is disposed on the flow channel. Advantageously, this enables the system to measure the interaction between the light signal and the tracers so that the flow properties of the fluid can be determined.
- According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the photonic device is disposed on at least one other photonic device. Advantageously, this enables the system to take parallel measurements of the fluid or particles, thereby increasing the speed of data aggregation, and the speed of the determination of the fluid's properties.
- A method is provided according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The method comprises: determining, via a measurement device, a first measurement based on a plurality of optical signals and a flow of tracers in a flow channel of a first photonic device; determining, via the measurement device, a second measurement based on the plurality of optical signals and the flow of the tracers in a flow channel of a second photonic device, wherein the first and second flow channels are fluidically connected; and determining, via the measurement device, a property associated with the flow of the tracers based on the first measurement and the second measurement. Advantageously, this enables the flow properties of a channel to be determined irrespective of the opaqueness or visual obscurity of the channel. Further, this lowers the cost of determining flow property of fluids in such channels since the determinations do not depend on specialized equipment such as transparent walls and elaborate microscope systems for visual inspection.
- According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, determining the flow property further comprises determining a macroscopic flow speed (U) of a fluid that includes the tracers. Advantageously, this enables determination of flow properties in particular channels of the fluidic device.
- According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the macroscopic flow speed (U) is determined as a function of a flow rate (Q) of the fluid over a cross-sectional area (A) of the fluidic device, wherein Q is due to an applied pressure gradient (∇P), such that U=Q/A. Advantageously, this enables determination of flow properties in particular channels of the fluidic device.
- According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the macroscopic flow speed (U) is determined as a function of a distance traveled (Δx) by the plurality of tracers and an average time (□Δt□) required to travel the distance Δx, wherein the macroscopic flow speed (U) is determined as a function of a channel length (L) traveled by the plurality of tracers and an average time of flight (□TF□) required to travel the length L, such that U=Q/A=Δx/Δt=L/TF . Advantageously, this enables determination of flow properties in particular channels of the fluidic device.
- According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, determining the flow property further comprises determining a permeability (κ) of a channel of the fluidic device based on a fluid viscosity (μ), the macroscopic flow speed (U), and a pressure gradient ∇P, such that κ=μU/(−∇P). Advantageously, this enables determination of flow properties in particular channels of the fluidic device.
-
FIG. 1 illustrates a fluidic device measurement system, according to one embodiment. -
FIG. 2A illustrates a top view of a scalable flow unit, according to one embodiment. -
FIG. 2B illustrates a cross-sectional view of a scalable flow unit, according to one embodiment. -
FIG. 3 illustrates a fluidic device measurement system with a multi-stack scalable flow unit, according to one embodiment. -
FIG. 4 illustrates a method of determining flow properties of a fluidic device, according to one embodiment. - Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards a measurement system for determining flow properties of a fluid in a micro-fluidic or nano-fluidic device. As mentioned above, traditional processes for determining flow properties rely on visual inspection of particles in the fluid, which is ineffective for opaque or obscure channels. Further, the traditional processes typically implement costly microscopic systems to perform the visual inspections of particles in the fluid. Further, the traditional processes can have relatively poor performance due to a serialized inspection of the particles in the fluid.
- In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the measurement system includes scalable flow units disposed on or within the fluidic device such that the fluid of the fluidic device flows through a flow channel of each scalable flow unit. In one embodiment, each scalable flow unit comprises a photonic element that allows light to reach the flow channels of the scalable flow units. The measurement system tracks tracers suspended in the fluid of the fluidic device as the fluid flows through the flow channels. The measurement system also determines light measurements based on interactions between the tracers and the light that reaches the flow channels. The flow properties of the fluid are determined based on the light measurements.
- Benefits of the aforementioned embodiments over traditional processes for determining flow properties include the ability to determine the flow properties of fluids in opaque or obscured channels, decreased costs due to flow property determinations that do not depend on specialized equipment such as transparent walls and elaborate microscope systems for visual inspection, and increased performance due to parallel measurements to gather data about the flow of the fluid.
-
FIG. 1 illustrates a fluidicdevice measurement system 100, according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, the fluidicdevice measurement system 100 comprises afluidic device 102 that includes afirst channel configuration 104, asecond channel configuration 106, and athird channel configuration 108. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
first channel configuration 104 and thethird channel configuration 108 include a smooth surface texture, while thesecond channel configuration 106 includes a porous channel texture. Due to differences in these channel configurations, flow properties of a fluid may not be identical as the fluid flows from thefirst channel configuration 104 to thethird channel configuration 108. As a non-limiting example, the fluid can flow at a first flow rate through thefirst channel configuration 104, which can include a smooth surface texture, and can flow at a different, second flow rate through thesecond channel configuration 106, which can include a porous surface texture. - In one embodiment, one or more scalable flow units (which are discussed in detail later in
FIGS. 2A-2B , but are omitted fromFIG. 1 so the underlying elements in the fluidicdevice measurement system 100 can be seen) are disposed on or within the channel configurations of the fluidic device. Each scalable flow unit can comprise one or more photonic elements. The photonic elements can comprise at least one of a waveguide, splitter, combiner, mixer, or interferometer, or the like. - When the photonic elements are aligned with one or more
light sources 120A-120D, the photonic elements transfer light from a location external to the scalable flow unit into a flow channel of the scalable flow unit or into a channel configuration of the fluidic device. In the illustrated embodiment, thelight sources 120A-120D are depicted as four separate light sources disposed on a first side of the fluidic device 102 (e.g., along a length of the fluidic device 102). However, in one embodiment, thelight sources 120A-120D can represent a single light source. For instance, thelight sources 120A-120D can be a single fluorescent light source that spans the length of the fluidic device, or a single light source with four outlet light sources. - As shown, one or
more measurement devices 130A-130D are disposed on a second side of the fluidic device, opposite the first side. When themeasurement devices 130A-130D are aligned with thelight sources 120A-120D, light signals from thelight sources 120A-120D are transferred from thelight sources 120A-120D, through one or more channel configurations of the fluidic device, and to themeasurement devices 130A-130D. Themeasurement devices 130A-130D can be any device, instrument, or sensor system that can detect or measure a light signal. For instance, themeasurement devices 130A-130D can be a flow sensor, a photodiode, a photometer, a light meter, a spectrometer, a computing system or micro-controller connected to at least one of the foregoing, or the like. - In one embodiment, the
measurement devices 130A-130D include software to communicate measurements to one another, and to calculate flow properties based on the measurements. In another embodiment, themeasurement devices 130A-130D are communicatively coupled to a computing system (not shown) that receives the measurements and calculates flow properties of the fluid based on the measurements. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
measurement devices 130A-130D are depicted as four separate measurement devices. However, in one embodiment, themeasurement devices 130A-130D can indicate a single measurement device, such as a computing system or micro-controller connected to at least one of a flow sensor, a photodiode, a photometer, a light meter, a spectrometer, or the like. - In one embodiment, a set of
tracers 110 are suspended in the fluid to aid the fluidicdevice measurement system 100 in determining the flow properties of the fluid as it passes through each channel configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, thetracers 110 are suspended in the fluid of thefluidic device 102. Thetracers 110, along with the fluid, flow through the fluidic device due to a pressure gradient (∇P) applied to the cross-sectional area (A) of the fluidic device. As the fluid flows from thefirst channel configuration 104 to thethird channel configuration 108, thetracers 110 can represent the flow properties of the fluid in each respective channel configuration. - In one embodiment, the
tracers 110 suspended in the fluid are limited in amount such that a single tracer interacts with a light signal from one of thelight sources 120A-120D at a given moment. One benefit to limiting the amount oftracers 110 in this way is that the measurement device corresponding to the respective light signal can take more accurate measurements of the single tracer, absent interference or obstruction from other tracers. - In one embodiment, the
tracers 110 are smaller than at least one dimension of each channel configuration to ensure that thetracers 110 do not obstruct or alternate the flow of the fluid in the fluidic device. Themeasurement devices 130A-130D can measure the flow properties of a channel configuration both before and after the tracers are suspended in the fluid. Themeasurement devices 130A-130D can compare the pre-tracer flow properties to the post-tracer flow properties to determine whether the sizes of thetracers 110 have changed the pre-tracer flow properties. In the event that such a change occurs, the oversized tracers can be removed or replaced with an appropriately sized tracer that does not affect the pre-tracer flow properties. - Additional properties of the
tracers 110 can correspond to measurement techniques of the fluidicdevice measurement system 100. For example, fluorescent tracers can be used for measurement devices that implement florescent-based measurement signals. In one embodiment, the tracers comprise polystyrene balls comprising molecules that fluoresce upon excitation by light. Hence, the molecules are selected, designed, or dyed to absorb or reflect light corresponding to a wavelength of the florescent-based measurement signals. The tracers can also comprise inorganic particles, quantum dots, molecules, organic dye, or the like, with or without any polystyrene container. - The tracers can also comprise non-fluorescent matter for use with measurement devices that implement other light-based measurement signals. In one embodiment, the tracers can comprise metal micro-particles, or nanoparticles such as gold nanoparticles or silver nanoparticles.
- When the tracers comprise fluorescent matter, the
measurement devices 130A-130D can measure the fluorescence of the tracer to determine the flow properties of the fluid in the channel configurations. When the tracers comprise metal particles, themeasurement devices 130A-130D can measure the reflection, refraction, or absorption of the light signals to determine the flow properties of the fluid in the channel configurations. - In the illustrated embodiment, as the
tracers 110 flow across thefirst channel configuration 104, thetracers 110 can flow into a flow channel of a first scalable flow unit (not shown).Light source 120A generates a light signal, which is transferred into a photonic element of the first scalable flow unit. The photonic element of the first scalable flow unit can guide the light signal to the flow channel of the first scalable flow unit. Thetracers 110 encounter the light signal as thetracers 110 travel along the flow channel of the first scalable flow unit. During this encounter,measurement device 130A can measure a fluorescence of thetracers 110, or an absorption, reflection, or refraction of the light signal. In one embodiment, themeasurement device 130A can determine a point in time when it measures a light intensity or a change in light intensity from thetracers 110, and communicate the point in time with a computing system or with another measurement device. - As the
tracers 110 continue to flow across thefirst channel configuration 104, thetracers 110 can flow into a flow channel of a second scalable flow unit (not shown).Light source 120B generates a light signal, which is transferred into a photonic element of the second scalable flow unit. The photonic element of the second scalable flow unit can guide the light signal to the flow channel of the second scalable flow unit. Thetracers 110 encounter the light signal as thetracers 110 travel along the flow channel of the second scalable flow unit. During this encounter,measurement device 130B can measure a fluorescence of thetracers 110, or an absorption, reflection, or refraction of the light signal. In one embodiment, themeasurement device 130B can determine a point in time when it measures a light intensity or a change in light intensity from thetracers 110, and communicate the point in time with a computing system or with another measurement device. - In one embodiment, a computing system receives the measurements and points in time (e.g., timestamps) from
measurement device 130A andmeasurement device 130B, and determines an average time delay (<Δt1>) between the points in time. Hence, <Δt1> can represent the average amount of time thetracers 110 take to travel across thefirst channel configuration 104. In another embodiment, a combination of themeasurement devices 130A-130D can be communicatively coupled to each other and can determine the average time delay corresponding to a channel configuration in thefluidic device 102 using a process similar to the aforementioned computer system process. - In the illustrated embodiment, the computing system receives measurements and points in time that correspond to light intensity from the
tracers 110 as they passmeasurement devices 130A andmeasurement device 130B. The computing system can map the measurements and points in time to the light intensity from thetracers 110 as a function of time (I(t)). The computing system can then determine the points in time of peak (or inverted peak) light intensities from thetracers 110, and cross-correlate these points in time to determine a time delay (Δt1) between peaks, or inverted peaks, of light intensity from thetracers 110. The computing system can further determine <Δt1> based on the Δt1. In another embodiment, a combination of themeasurement devices 130A-130D can determine Δt1 and <Δt1> using a process similar to the aforementioned computer system process. - In the illustrated embodiment, as the
tracers 110 flow across thesecond channel configuration 106, thetracers 110 can flow into a flow channel of a third scalable flow unit (not shown). As shown,light source 120C generates a light signal, which is transferred into a photonic element of the third scalable flow unit. The photonic element of the third scalable flow unit can guide the light signal to the flow channel of the third scalable flow unit. Thetracers 110 encounter the light signal as thetracers 110 travel along the flow channel of the third scalable flow unit. During this encounter,measurement device 130C can measure a fluorescence of thetracers 110, or an absorption, reflection, or refraction of the light signal. In one embodiment, themeasurement device 130C can determine a point in time when it measures a light intensity or a change in light intensity from thetracers 110, and communicate the point in time with a computing system or with another measurement device. - In one embodiment, the computing system receives the measurements and points in time from
measurement device 130B andmeasurement device 130C, and determines an average time of flight (<TF>) between the points in time. Hence, <TF> can represent the average amount of time thetracers 110 take to travel across thesecond channel configuration 106. In another embodiment, a combination of themeasurement devices 130A-130D can be communicatively coupled to each other and can determine <TF> using a process similar to the aforementioned computer process. - In the illustrated embodiment, the computing system receives measurements and points in time that correspond to light intensity from the
tracers 110 as they passmeasurement devices 130B andmeasurement device 130C. The computing system can map the measurements and points in time to the light intensity from thetracers 110 as a function of time (I(t)). The computing system can then determine the points in time of peak (or inverted peak) light intensities from thetracers 110, and cross-correlate these points in time to determine a time of flight (TF) of thetracers 110 as the time delay between peaks, or inverted peaks, of light intensity from thetracers 110. The computing system can further determine <TF> based on TF. In another embodiment, a combination of themeasurement devices 130A-130D can determine TF and <TF> using a process similar to the aforementioned computer system process. - In the illustrated embodiment, as the
tracers 110 flow across thethird channel configuration 108, thetracers 110 can flow into a flow channel of a fourth scalable flow unit (not shown). As shown,light source 120D generates a light signal, which is transferred into a photonic element of the fourth scalable flow unit. The photonic element of the fourth scalable flow unit can guide the light signal to the flow channel of the fourth scalable flow unit. Thetracers 110 encounter the light signal as thetracers 110 travel along the flow channel of the fourth scalable flow unit. During this encounter,measurement device 130D can measure a fluorescence of thetracers 110, or an absorption, reflection, or refraction of the light signal. In one embodiment, themeasurement device 130D can determine a point in time when it measures a light intensity or a change in light intensity from thetracers 110, and communicate the point in time with a computing system or with another measurement device. - In one embodiment, the computing system receives the measurements and points in time from
measurement device 130C andmeasurement device 130D, and determines an average time delay (<Δt2>) between the points in time. Hence, <Δt2> can represent the average amount of time thetracers 110 take to travel across thethird channel configuration 108. In another embodiment, themeasurement devices 130A-130D can be communicatively coupled to each other and can determine Δt using a process similar to the aforementioned computer process. - In the illustrated embodiment, the computing system receives measurements and points in time that correspond to light intensity from the
tracers 110 as they passmeasurement devices 130C andmeasurement device 130D. The computing system can map the measurements and points in time to the light intensity from thetracers 110 as a function of time (I(t)). The computing system can then determine the points in time of peak (or inverted peak) light intensities from thetracers 110, and cross-correlate these points in time to determine a time delay (Δt2) between peaks, or inverted peaks, of light intensity from thetracers 110. The computing system can further determine <Δt2> based on Δt2. In another embodiment, a combination of themeasurement devices 130A-130D can determine Δt2 and <Δt2> using a process similar to the aforementioned computer system process. - In the illustrated embodiment, at least one dimension of the
first channel configuration 104 and thethird channel configuration 108 are equal in length. This length, traveled by thetracers 110, is labeled as Δx. The length of a dimension of thesecond channel configuration 106 that is traveled by thetracers 110 is labeled as L. The flow rate (Q) of the fluid over the cross-sectional area (A) of the fluidic device is due to the applied pressure gradient (∇P). Given the aforementioned information, measurements, points in time, <Δt1>, <Δt2>, and <TF>, the macroscopic flow speed (U) of the fluid in the fluidic device can be determined as follows: - Additional flow properties can be determined given a measured or observed viscosity of the fluid (μ), macroscopic flow speed (U), and the pressure gradient ∇P applied to the cross-sectional area (A) of the fluidic device. Given the aforementioned elements, the permeability (κ) of the porous material in the
second channel configuration 106 can be determined as follows: -
κ=μU/(−∇P) - One benefit to the aforementioned process for determining the flow properties of the fluid is that the flow properties do not need to be measured inside of a given channel configuration. Hence, the flow properties can be determined when a channel configuration is opaque (or otherwise obscured) such that visual-based measurement techniques to determine flow properties in the channel configuration are ineffective.
-
FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate ascalable flow unit 200, according to one embodiment.FIG. 2A illustrates a top view of thescalable flow unit 200. - In the illustrated embodiment, a first
photonic element 204, a secondphotonic element 206, and aflow channel 208 are disposed on a first silicon-basedlayer 202. A second silicon-based layer (which is omitted fromFIG. 2A so the underlying elements in thescalable flow unit 200 can be seen) is disposed on the firstphotonic element 204, the secondphotonic element 206, and theflow channel 208. Further,FIG. 2A includes the cross section A-A indicating the cross sectional view illustrated inFIG. 2B . - Further, as shown, the first
photonic element 204 is arranged orthogonal to the first side of theflow channel 208, and the secondphotonic element 206 is arranged orthogonal to the second side of theflow channel 208. The firstphotonic element 204 and the secondphotonic element 206 are aligned such that an optical signal from a light source positioned outside of thescalable flow unit 200 can enter into a first end of the firstphotonic element 204, and transfer through a second end of the firstphotonic element 204 that is disposed on the first side of theflow channel 208. - In one embodiment,
scalable flow unit 200 is disposed on or within a fluidic device such that the fluid from the fluidic device flows through theflow channel 208. The fluid can flow in a direction that is parallel to the first and second sides of theflow channel 208, or orthogonal to the firstphotonic element 204 and the secondphotonic element 206. The fluid can include tracers that are small enough to travel through the flow channel without altering or obstructing the flow of the fluid in the flow channel or in the fluidic device. - In the illustrated embodiment, the optical signal can transfer from the first side of the
flow channel 208 to the second side of theflow channel 208, and encounter the tracers in theflow channel 208. During this encounter, the optical signal may be partially absorbed, reflected, or refracted by the tracers. The optical signal may also trigger a fluorescent effect in the tracers. The optical signal can then transfer into the first side of the secondphotonic element 206 that is disposed on the second side of theflow channel 208, and exit from a second side of the secondphotonic element 206. -
FIG. 2B illustrates a cross-sectional view of thescalable flow unit 200. In the illustrated embodiment, thescalable flow unit 200 comprises the first silicon-basedlayer 202. In one embodiment, the first silicon-basedlayer 202 functions as a substrate. The first silicon-basedlayer 202 can comprise silicon oxide, silicon nitrite, or any other silicon-based insulator. - The
flow channel 208 is disposed on the first silicon-basedlayer 202. The first and secondphotonic elements layer 202. As shown, the firstphotonic element 204 is disposed on a first side of theflow channel 208, opposite the secondphotonic element 206 that is disposed on a second side of theflow channel 208. Thephotonic elements - A second silicon-based
layer 210 can be disposed on the photonic elements and theflow channel 208. In one embodiment, the second silicon-basedlayer 210 serves as a capping layer. The second silicon-basedlayer 210 can comprise silicon oxide, silicon nitrite, or any other silicon-based insulator. In the illustrated embodiment, the second silicon-basedlayer 210 is disposed on the firstphotonic element 204, theflow channel 208, and the secondphotonic element 206. -
FIG. 3 illustrates a fluidicdevice measurement system 300 with a multi-stack scalable flow unit 304 1−N, according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, the multi-stack scalable flow unit 304 1−N can be disposed on or within achannel 302 of fluidic device. - The multi-stack scalable flow unit 304 1−N comprises at least one scalable flow unit disposed on a first scalable flow unit 304 1. In the illustrated embodiment, a scalable flow unit 304 N is positioned at the top of the multi-stack scalable flow unit 304 1−N. The scalable flow unit 304 N can include a
photonic element 306 disposed on aflow channel 308. Thephotonic element 306 is depicted as a Y-splitter. - Further, as shown, the fluidic
device measurement system 300 can include alight source 320 disposed on a first end of thephotonic element 306, and ameasurement device 330 disposed on a second end of thephotonic element 306. Thelight source 320 and themeasurement device 330 can be disposed on the same side of the scalable flow unit 304 N. - In one embodiment, the
light source 320 andmeasurement device 330 are operable to service all scalable flow units of the multi-stack scalable flow unit 304 1−N. In another embodiment, thelight source 320 andmeasurement device 330 are operable to service only scalable the scalable flow units 304 N. - In one embodiment, the fluidic device includes a fluid with a
set tracers 310 suspended therein. When the fluid travels across thechannel 302 of the fluidic device, the fluid also travels across theflow channel 308 of the scalable flow unit 304 N. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
light source 320 can generate a light signal that propagates through thephotonic element 306 from first end of thephotonic element 306 to theflow channel 308. When the light signal reaches theflow channel 308, the light signal can encounter thetracers 310. During this encounter, the light signal may be partially absorbed, reflected, or refracted by thetracers 310. The light signal may also trigger a fluorescent effect in thetracers 310. The light signal can then propagate towards the second end of thephotonic element 306, and reach themeasurement device 330. Themeasurement device 330 can measure the light signal, and determine flow properties of the fluid. - One benefit of using a multi-stack scalable flow unit is increased accuracy and time saved in determining flow properties of a fluidic device. The multi-stack scalable flow unit enables light signal measurements to be taken at each scalable flow unit of the multi-stack scalable flow unit, thereby enabling parallel collection of data that is used to determine the flow properties.
-
FIG. 4 illustrates amethod 400 of determining flow properties of a fluidic device, according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, themethod 400 involves the control of a fluidic device measurement system. The fluidic device measurement system can comprise light sources configured to generate light signals, tracers suspended in a fluid of the fluidic device, one or more photonic devices, each comprising at least one photonic element and a flow channel, and measurement devices. In one embodiment, the photonic elements of a first photonic device can be aligned with the light sources to allow the light signals to reach the flow channel of the first photonic device via the photonic elements of the first photonic device. - The photonic devices can be disposed on or within a channel of the fluidic device. In one embodiment, the fluid of the fluidic device flows in the channel due to a pressure gradient applied to the device. The fluid can also flow through the flow channels of the photonic devices on or within the channel.
- The
method 400 begins atblock 402. Atblock 404, measurement devices determine a first measurement based on the light signals and the tracers at the flow channel of the first photonic device. Referring toFIG. 1 , in one embodiment, the photonic elements of the first photonic device (not shown) are aligned withlight source 120B, which allows light signals fromlight source 120B to reach the flow channel of the first photonic device. Thetracers 110 encounter the light signal fromlight source 120B as thetracers 110 travel along the flow channel of the first photonic device. During this encounter, themeasurement device 130B can measure a fluorescence of thetracers 110; an absorption, reflection, or refraction of the light signal; or any change in intensity of the light signal. In one embodiment, themeasurement device 130B can determine a point in time when it measures a light intensity or a change in light intensity from thetracers 110, and communicate the point in time with a computing system or with another measurement device. - At
block 406, the measurement devices determine a second measurement based on the light signals and the tracers at a flow channel of a second photonic device. In one embodiment, the second photonic device is disposed on or within the fluidic channel at a different location than the first photonic device. - Referring to
FIG. 1 , in one embodiment, the photonic elements of the second photonic device (not shown) are aligned withlight source 120C, which allows light signals fromlight source 120C to reach the flow channel of the second photonic device. Thetracers 110 can encounter the light signals fromlight source 120C as thetracers 110 travel along the flow channel of the second photonic device. During this encounter, themeasurement device 130C can measure a fluorescence of thetracers 110; an absorption, reflection, or refraction of the light signal; or any change in intensity of the light signal. In one embodiment, themeasurement device 130C can determine a point in time when it measures a light intensity or a change in light intensity from thetracers 110, and communicate the point in time with a computing system or with another measurement device. In one embodiment, measurements can be taken at additional scalable flow units using a similar process to the foregoing. - At
block 408, the measurement devices determine properties associated with a flow of the fluid or the tracers based on the first measurement and the second measurement. In one embodiment, the computing system receives the measurements and points in time, and determines an average time of flight (<TF>) between the points in time. Hence, <TF> can represent the average amount of time the tracers take to travel from the location of the first photonic device to the location of the second photonic device. The distance between the locations of the first and second photonic devices can be represented as length L. - In one embodiment, the computing system or the measurement devices receives the measurements and the points in time, and determines an average time delay (<Δt>) between the points in time. For instance, <Δt> can represent the average amount of time the tracers take to travel from the location of the second photonic device to the location of a third photonic device. The distance between the locations of the second and third photonic devices can be represented as Δx.
- The flow rate (Q) of the fluid over the cross-sectional area (A) of the fluidic device is due to the applied pressure gradient (∇P). Given the aforementioned information, measurements, points in time, Δt, and TF, the macroscopic flow speed (U) of the fluid in the fluidic device can be determined as follows:
- Additional flow properties can be determined given a measured or observed viscosity of the fluid (μ), and macroscopic flow speed (U). Given the aforementioned elements, the permeability (κ) of the second channel configuration can be determined as follows:
-
κ=μU/(−∇P) - The
method 400 ends at block 410. One benefit of themethod 400 disclosed herein is the ability to determine flow properties of a fluid in a fluid channel, irrespective of differences between configurations of the fluidic channel. For example, referring toFIG. 1 , measurements can be taken at scalable flow units positioned outside of the second channel configuration 106 (which includes the porous region) to determine the flow properties inside of thesecond channel configuration 106. This is particularly useful when a channel configuration is visually inaccessible (e.g., the channel configuration is opaque or otherwise obscured). - The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application or technical improvement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.
- In the preceding, reference is made to embodiments presented in this disclosure. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to specific described embodiments. Instead, any combination of the features and elements, whether related to different embodiments or not, is contemplated to implement and practice contemplated embodiments. Furthermore, although embodiments disclosed herein may achieve advantages over other possible solutions or over the prior art, whether or not a particular advantage is achieved by a given embodiment is not limiting of the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the aspects, features, embodiments and advantages discussed herein are merely illustrative and are not considered elements or limitations of the appended claims except where explicitly recited in a claim(s). Likewise, reference to “the invention” shall not be construed as a generalization of any inventive subject matter disclosed herein and shall not be considered to be an element or limitation of the appended claims except where explicitly recited in a claim(s).
- Aspects of the present invention may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.) or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects that may all generally be referred to herein as a “circuit,” “module” or “system.”
- The present invention may be a system, a method, and/or a computer program product. The computer program product may include a computer readable storage medium (or media) having computer readable program instructions thereon for causing a processor to carry out aspects of the present invention.
- The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible device that can retain and store instructions for use by an instruction execution device. The computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but is not limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of the computer readable storage medium includes the following: a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such as punch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructions recorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. A computer readable storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construed as being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freely propagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagating through a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., light pulses passing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signals transmitted through a wire.
- Computer readable program instructions described herein can be downloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a computer readable storage medium or to an external computer or external storage device via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network and/or a wireless network. The network may comprise copper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wireless transmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and/or edge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in each computing/processing device receives computer readable program instructions from the network and forwards the computer readable program instructions for storage in a computer readable storage medium within the respective computing/processing device.
- Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations of the present invention may be assembler instructions, instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state-setting data, or either source code or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language such as Smalltalk, C++ or the like, and conventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C” programming language or similar programming languages. The computer readable program instructions may execute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider). In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including, for example, programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or programmable logic arrays (PLA) may execute the computer readable program instructions by utilizing state information of the computer readable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry, in order to perform aspects of the present invention.
- Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer readable program instructions.
- These computer readable program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. These computer readable program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable storage medium that can direct a computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and/or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the computer readable storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises an article of manufacture including instructions which implement aspects of the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.
- The computer readable program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computer implemented process, such that the instructions which execute on the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.
- The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.
- While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (7)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US16/938,471 US20220026253A1 (en) | 2020-07-24 | 2020-07-24 | Evaluation of flow properties in physical media |
AU2021312206A AU2021312206A1 (en) | 2020-07-24 | 2021-07-23 | Evaluation of flow properties in physical media |
KR1020237000312A KR20230029761A (en) | 2020-07-24 | 2021-07-23 | Evaluation of flow properties of physical media |
DE112021001987.2T DE112021001987T5 (en) | 2020-07-24 | 2021-07-23 | Evaluation of flow properties in physical media |
CN202180049540.7A CN115803635A (en) | 2020-07-24 | 2021-07-23 | Evaluation of flow characteristics in a physical medium |
PCT/CN2021/108160 WO2022017501A1 (en) | 2020-07-24 | 2021-07-23 | Evaluation of flow properties in physical media |
JP2023500278A JP2023534167A (en) | 2020-07-24 | 2021-07-23 | Evaluation of flow properties in physical media |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US16/938,471 US20220026253A1 (en) | 2020-07-24 | 2020-07-24 | Evaluation of flow properties in physical media |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20220026253A1 true US20220026253A1 (en) | 2022-01-27 |
Family
ID=79689241
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US16/938,471 Pending US20220026253A1 (en) | 2020-07-24 | 2020-07-24 | Evaluation of flow properties in physical media |
Country Status (7)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20220026253A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2023534167A (en) |
KR (1) | KR20230029761A (en) |
CN (1) | CN115803635A (en) |
AU (1) | AU2021312206A1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE112021001987T5 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2022017501A1 (en) |
Family Cites Families (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP2003285298A (en) * | 2002-03-26 | 2003-10-07 | Seiko Instruments Inc | Micro-channel device and method of manufacturing the same |
US7780912B2 (en) * | 2005-08-26 | 2010-08-24 | Lawrence Livermore National Security, Llc | Paint for detection of radiological or chemical agents |
CN103472256B (en) * | 2013-09-25 | 2015-09-16 | 东南大学 | Based on flowing two-dimension speed field measurement method and the device of area array CCD spatial filter |
CN203705468U (en) * | 2013-12-26 | 2014-07-09 | 天津大学 | Novel surface flow field velocimetry system based on infrared photography |
CN205210100U (en) * | 2015-12-14 | 2016-05-04 | 桦甸市结核病防治所 | Blood cell analytical equipment |
CN106908622B (en) * | 2017-03-15 | 2019-05-31 | 东南大学 | A kind of chromatography PIV measuring device and method based on optical field imaging |
US11039765B2 (en) * | 2017-09-26 | 2021-06-22 | International Business Machines Corporation | Smart pellet for sample testing |
CN111007278A (en) * | 2019-12-12 | 2020-04-14 | 中国空气动力研究与发展中心 | Acceleration measuring method and device based on particle image velocimetry and storage medium |
-
2020
- 2020-07-24 US US16/938,471 patent/US20220026253A1/en active Pending
-
2021
- 2021-07-23 DE DE112021001987.2T patent/DE112021001987T5/en active Pending
- 2021-07-23 CN CN202180049540.7A patent/CN115803635A/en active Pending
- 2021-07-23 KR KR1020237000312A patent/KR20230029761A/en unknown
- 2021-07-23 AU AU2021312206A patent/AU2021312206A1/en active Pending
- 2021-07-23 JP JP2023500278A patent/JP2023534167A/en active Pending
- 2021-07-23 WO PCT/CN2021/108160 patent/WO2022017501A1/en active Application Filing
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CN115803635A (en) | 2023-03-14 |
DE112021001987T5 (en) | 2023-01-19 |
JP2023534167A (en) | 2023-08-08 |
KR20230029761A (en) | 2023-03-03 |
AU2021312206A1 (en) | 2023-02-09 |
WO2022017501A1 (en) | 2022-01-27 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US9013702B2 (en) | Imaging systems for optical computing devices | |
US9013698B2 (en) | Imaging systems for optical computing devices | |
Zhao et al. | Novel optical fiber sensor for simultaneous measurement of temperature and salinity | |
US9267891B2 (en) | Multiplex fluorescent particle detection using spatially distributed excitation | |
EP3320307B1 (en) | Systems and methods for near-infrared based water cut monitoring in multiphase fluid flow | |
US10126229B2 (en) | Optical measurement device | |
BR112016006617B1 (en) | non-transitory computer-readable method, system and medium | |
US20150062587A1 (en) | Holographic microrefractometer | |
Reuther et al. | Evaluation of large-scale turbulent/non-turbulent interface detection methods for wall-bounded flows | |
PT103601A (en) | DETECTION DEVICE BASED ON SURFACE PLASMA RESONANCE EFFECT | |
US20220026253A1 (en) | Evaluation of flow properties in physical media | |
CN106716112A (en) | Method and system for inspecting transparent wafers for electronics, optics or optoelectronics | |
JP2014532871A5 (en) | ||
EP3704472B1 (en) | Determining a specific gravity of an hydrocarbon fluid | |
JP2004028660A (en) | Fluid component measurement apparatus using surface plasmon resonance chemical sensor | |
JP7269379B2 (en) | Systems and methods for detecting the presence of particles in fluids | |
TW201319544A (en) | Method for obtaining binding kinetic rate constants using fiber optics particle plasmon resonance (FOPPR) sensor | |
JP2014190902A (en) | Particulate detecting device and particulate detecting method | |
JP4367263B2 (en) | Diffusion measuring device | |
Merikhi et al. | Jet‐nozzle method for measuring response times of scalar sensors used in liquids and gases | |
GB2586649A (en) | Pressure cell systems for use with drilling fluid | |
JP6942207B2 (en) | Method and device for measuring the concentration of the test object in whole blood | |
US20230060183A1 (en) | In-situ apparatus for detecting abnormality in process tube | |
CN111164416A (en) | Fluorescence measurement device, system and method for determining sample composition | |
WO2024081057A1 (en) | Identifying a cuvette for measuring light scattering of a sample |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION, NEW YORK Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:ENGEL, MICHAEL;BARROS FERREIRA, RODRIGO NEUMANN;STEINER, MATHIAS B.;REEL/FRAME:053307/0283 Effective date: 20200722 |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: DOCKETED NEW CASE - READY FOR EXAMINATION |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: RESPONSE TO NON-FINAL OFFICE ACTION ENTERED AND FORWARDED TO EXAMINER |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: EX PARTE QUAYLE ACTION MAILED |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: RESPONSE TO EX PARTE QUAYLE ACTION ENTERED AND FORWARDED TO EXAMINER |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: NOTICE OF ALLOWANCE MAILED -- APPLICATION RECEIVED IN OFFICE OF PUBLICATIONS |